The Centre has set March 2027 as the deadline for upgrading the infrastructure and logistics of 300 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country, while plans are also underway to establish Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in every KVK by December 2028.
The action plan was reviewed by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a meeting in New Delhi on Monday, with the Centre calling for greater participation and financial support from State governments to meet the targets.
According to the Ministry, the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) has engaged with the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to mobilise financial and institutional support for the upgradation of the 300 prioritised KVKs.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have already received Detailed Project Reports from universities and KVKs, while preparations are at various stages in other States.
The Centre is also planning to establish Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in all KVKs by December 2028, with KVKs being mapped to agro-based enterprises, technical partner institutions and district-specific agricultural opportunities.
The proposed centres are expected to strengthen skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities linked to agriculture, with KVK-wise incubation plans being prepared for funding and implementation support from States and Union Territories.
The meeting also reviewed proposed reforms for KVK personnel, including pay, allowances and promotion. The Ministry said the reforms had received approval from the Department of Expenditure. States were also urged to fill vacancies and provide NPS contributions and retirement benefits for KVK staff, where applicable.
The Centre also reviewed the implementation of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on pulses and oilseeds for 2026–27. The programme is being implemented through 353 KVKs and districts across 24 States, covering a target area of 12,349 hectares. So far, 9,750 hectares have been covered.
The Ministry said delays in fund release in some States were discussed, with States urged to ensure timely flow of funds to KVKs and availability of recommended quality seeds and varieties.
KVKs were also asked to play a greater role in implementing district-level action plans under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, with States being urged to provide adequate funding support.
Chouhan stressed the need for Centre-State convergence, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and timely financial support to strengthen KVKs as platforms for agricultural technology dissemination, skill development, innovation and rural entrepreneurship.
The KVK network is intended to take scientific knowledge, improved agricultural technologies, new crop varieties and skills closer to farmers and rural communities.
